The "Foreclosure No More" Kitchen Makeover

We purchased our 1926 Dutch Colonial from foreclosure, and it had been a rental before then, so much of it was in very rough shape as much from poor past work as from years of neglect. The kitchen was by far the worst, with misfit and poorly installed thermafoil cabinets, broken laminate countertops, wood floors ruined by water stains and glue and numerous other issues. Problems were not just practical and aesthetic - there were some major plumbing, wiring and structural issues to address as well.

(Image credit: Submitted by Becca)

(Image credit: Submitted by Becca)

(Image credit: Submitted by Becca)

(Image credit: Submitted by Becca)

We lived with it for almost three years while we saved up and made our plans, then finally hired a pro to help us fix it up. We tried to select materials and styles that fit the age of the home, so the result is a very classic look. The two-tone cabinets reflect the woodwork of the home (dark stained on the main floor, and painted white upstairs), and the new wood floors exactly match the originals throughout the rest of the home.

The total renovation took about three months (with a bathroom renovation occurring at the same time) and cost about $30,000. Below are some of the sources of our main components.